The Third Home Affairs’ Dialogue between India and U.K. was held here today. The Government of India Delegation was led by Shri Rajiv Gauba, Union Home Secretary and the Delegation from Home Office of the U.K. was led by its Second Permanent Secretary, Ms. Patsy Wilkinson.

The Dialogue covered a wide range of issues including cyber security, women safety, organized crime, terror financing etc. and a need to put in place a mechanism for timely exchange of information and intelligence inputs on such issues. Detailed exchange of views took place between the two sides on Indian fugitives/economic offenders residing in the U.K. The Indian delegation impressed upon the UK authorities the need to expedite the process of extradition.

An important topic taken up for discussion related to streamlining the process of various categories of visas for Indian Students and highly skilled professionals and other categories. It was agreed that there will be further interactions on the issues.

The Indian side communicated our concerns on the recent activities of certain extremists and radical elements in UK. The UK delegation were urged to maintain vigil over the activities of such elements and take appropriate action including timely sharing of intelligence.

It was agreed to maintain the momentum for enhanced security cooperation between the two countries.

A senior government official said that India raised the issue of early extradition. India also sought their help in locating merchants who is said to have been planning for an asylum in the U.K. and other nations.

New Delhi also asked London not to allow the British territory to be used for anti-India activities by Kashmiri and Khalistani separatists. India also raised the visa problems faced by its nationals, including delays in visas to students, the high amount charged for visas and lengthy waiting period for tourist visas.

The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and the U.K. team was led by Patsy Wilkinson.

“Detailed exchange of views took place between the two sides on Indian fugitive/economic offenders residing in the U.K. The Indian delegation pressed upon the U.K. authorities to expedite the process of extradition,” a statement by MHA said. The dialogue covered issues including cyber security, women safety, organised crime, terror financing and a need to put in place a mechanism for timely exchange of information and intelligence inputs on such issues, the statement said.

U.K. Visas and Immigration regional director for South and Southeast Asia, Nick Crouch said, “It was a constructive engagement.” He did not respond to queries on extradition.

India also sought U.K.’s assistance in extradition of alleged cricket bookie and legal help in prosecution of 16 other alleged criminals.